June 3rd Pier Peer Unusual visitor

Posted on June 6, 2016 by sseacenter1

imgresIn addition to crabs, sea stars, anemone, and other creatures, we were surprised to see Nanomia Siphonophore (picture on the left) in great numbers at last Friday’s Pier Peer.  0603162218aAlso found several chitons (picture on right).  Sign up for a pier peer (under events) for the opportunity to see unusual marine life yourself.

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OPENING WEEKEND – Meet the Beach

Posted on June 3, 2016 by sseacenter1

This is the opening weekend for SSEA’s Meet the Beach program!

We’ll be Burfoot County Park and Tolmie State Park from 11-2 both Saturday and Sunday (June 4 and 5th) for exceptionally low tides.  Remember Tolmie requires a Discovery Pass for parking.

The weather promises to be great, come join us!    See full schedule for other dates when Beach Naturalists will be available?   2016 Meet the Beach Schedule flyer

South Sound Estuary Association's photo.
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SSEA seeking applicants for Executive Director (part-time)

Posted on May 1, 2016 by sseacenter1

Careers

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New Life at the Estuarium

Posted on April 24, 2016 by sseacenter1

13086848_10154288093613109_4485109184373611973_oRemember last Father’s Day pipefish were born in one of our Aquariums. (see picture to the left and notice how big they are getting.)  

13063336_10153506940313062_943931439532660700_oWELL starting on Earth Day the shiner perch, in another aquarium, delivered baby perch…21, from several moms, as of this morning.  Come visit.

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April 23rd Songs for SSEA, an evening of music, storytelling, and humor

Posted on April 20, 2016 by sseacenter1

April 23rd, 7 pm “Songs for SSEA”

OLYMPIA ELKS LODGE, 1818 4TH AVE. E, OLYMPIA, WA

TICKETS: $20/PERSON   Tickets will be available at the door!

(Older children are welcome.)

a1984297846_10Featuring music by PINNIPED, Acoustic Celtic Trio. Trio members are: Erik Correia (guitar, voice), Sarah Kellington (fiddle, voice), and Bill Kellington (bodhran, guitar, voice). They play mostly-traditional mostly-celtic acoustic music.

and

0-1KEN BEVIS, Storyteller/Musician. He is a singer/song writer, guitarist, biologist, birder, fisherman, hunter, hiker, skier. His songs are often about animals and nature. He loves to perform and share his love of nature. He thinks he is funny (others do too!) and yes he is a storyteller.

No Host Bar and refreshments

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Sound Ecology with Cascadia Research Collective

Posted on April 4, 2016 by sseacenter1

APRIL 14, 2016 7 – 8:30 pmSome species being studied by Cascadia Research (from top left to bottom right): humpback whale, Blainville's beaked whale, blue whale, Townsend's big eared bat, false killer whale, gray whale, killer whale with harbor porpoise.

Kiirsten Flynn, Research Biologist, SSEA Discover Speaker Series  

 

Kiirsten will be giving an overview of regional marine mammals that spend time in Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and off of our coast.  She will touch on the resurgence of both harbor porpoise in southern Puget Sound,  and humpbacks in the Salish Sea.  Other topics will include on-going research on these species, what do to if you see a stranded marine mammal as well as an update on the northern Puget Sound gray whales.

LOTT WET Science Center
500 Adams St NE, Olympia, Washington 98501

Sound Ecology with Cascadia Research Collective
Come join us for a fascinating evening about the work of Cascadia Research Collective.

Explore * Connect * Inspire
Discovery Speaker Series ~ Free

Cascadia Research is a non-profit, tax-exempt (recognized by the IRS under501c3) scientific and education organization based in Olympia, Washington, USA. We were founded in 1979 primarily to conduct research needed to manage and protect threatened marine mammals.

Learn more at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/

Join us on Facebook

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Estuarium Docent Training – April 9th, 5 – 6:30 pm

Posted on March 27, 2016 by sseacenter1

South Sound Estuarium Docent Training

To learn about SSEA and what volunteer opportunities we have to offer at the Estuarium, contact troy@sseacenter.org.

Come visit our critters!

Come visit our critters!

Next docent training/estuarium orientation is scheduled for April 9th, 5:00 – 6:30pm at the Estuarium, 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia.

We would love to have you join our team. If you are interested in being docent, please plan to attend.unnamed-5

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April 12th, 6 – 8:30 SSEA Annual Meeting with Speaker Helen Berry

Posted on March 23, 2016 by sseacenter1

2016 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition

April 12th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Capitol Museum Coach House,

214 – 22nd Ave. SW, Olympia.

Speaker: Helen Berry,  WDFW, Eelgrass and kelp in South Sound, focusing on the areas south of the Tacoma Narrows bridge.

Helen Berry, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, will share her expert and in depth understanding of eelgrass and kelp beds in South Puget Sound.  She will share trends, mapping studies, and discuss how critical these plants are for healthy habitats.  Join us to learn about and see lots of wonderful photos of South Sound’s important plants.

DNR study sees Eelgrass Recovery in Puget Sound

Volunteer Recognition

Plan to join us for Good Food, Conversation, Appreciation and Fun!

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SSEA Strategic Plan Stakeholders Survey

Posted on March 19, 2016 by sseacenter1

SSEA Strategic Plan Survey Summary

In November 2015, as part of the development of a 5 year strategic plan, SSEA conducted an online stakeholders survey to assess their programs and organization. Invitations to take the survey were issued through various media sources; 92 people participated (one third of which were SSEA members). Ninety-six percent believe that SSEA fulfill its mission to provide knowledge of estuaries and the Puget Sound marine environment.

Ninety-four percent of respondents rated their experience as good to excellent at the Estuarium. In addition, twelve respondents said more fish, tanks, and displays were needed. When asked about what programs needed improvement, over 10% said SSEA needs more Estuarium open hours and more informational tables in public places. Respondents preferred to hear about SSEA activities by email or on the website.

Click the link below for the full survey results.

SSEA Survey Responses 

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